Imja Tsho is a glacial lake at about 5,010 m at the foot of the Imja Glacier, near Island Peak. It did not exist in the 1960s and has grown rapidly as the glacier melts. In 2016, the Nepal Army lowered the lake by about 3.4 m through an outlet channel to reduce the risk of an outburst flood.
Quick answer: Visit Imja Tsho on a hike from Chukhung or on the way to Island Peak base camp.
Imja Tsho at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 5,010 m |
| Near | Island Peak, Chukhung |
| Formed | Since the 1960s, as the glacier retreated |
| Lowered | About 3.4 m in 2016 |
| Risk | Glacial lake outburst flood |
Climate change
Imja Tsho is a symbol of glacier loss in the Himalaya. See the 2024 Thame flood.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Imja Tsho shows how fast the Himalaya is changing. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.